I had a 2012 Sorento with a 4 cyl and towed weekly with it. It was a great TV if used in the ratings. I installed the Receiver myself and it was very simple to install. Had over 50,000 miles when it got crunched
I suspect that there is an underlying issue not related to towing...just based on experience. Did you run over anything, back up hard into a backing space and hit the tire stops?...
Very unusual for this vehicle IMHO. (I really miss mine)
I was considering buying a newer one with the higher rating of 5,000 lbs as my 4 cyl version towed like a champ!
Maybe you could go to a different Kia dealer for a second opinion?
Thanks!
Jeremiah